Alpha Tau Omega - University of Nebraska-Linocln

Summer 2016 Newsletter

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under construction
W
e write you with some exciting news and
with it a sense of urgency and hope. As
time has passed since our chapter's suspension
in 2015, we have had time to reflect. That time
has made us realize how important Alpha Tau
Omega is to our brothers, to the university, and
soon, to many young men who should be given
the same experience we had.
On April 29, Alpha Tau Omega undergraduates
and alumni leaders met with university officials
to seek re-instatement as a fraternity at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The chapter
conducted all of the required elements as
part of its sanctions and made necessary,
and much-needed, cultural changes. These
included a letter of apology, sexual assault
and alcohol training, leadership training, and
character building exercises for all members.
We are excited to tell you that the chapter
has been re-instated as a recognized
student organization, is approved for
student housing, and the chapter will be
able to recruit new members this summer.
In high hopes that positive action would be taken
by UNL this spring, the Gamma Theta House
Board chose to move forward with much-needed
construction work while the house was vacant,
which was a year ahead of our original plan. To
date, the inside of the house has been torn down
to the studs from the third floor to the basement,
including the kitchen, bathrooms, and the house
parent quarters. Permitting has been applied for
and remodeling work is underway. It is the goal
to have the majority of the work done by the
time school starts so that the house is livable
come September. There will be some work that
will continue past September, but our youngest
brothers will have a place to call home once
again—ON CAMPUS! Yes, we are moving
forward!
As a result, the urgency for re-energizing and
completing our campaign over a very short
timeline is of the highest importance. To date,
we have raised $1,983,524, thanks to the support
of 160 loyal alumni, but as you know, our
total project cost is an estimated $3.2 million.
This includes the expansion, the refurbishment
work, and all furnishings, including beds, desks,
chairs, kitchen equipment, etc. The math is
simple—we still need to raise $1.2 million. Only
12% of alumni have made their commitment
to the campaign, which means there are 1,143
alumni who are yet to contribute. With the news
of our reinstatement, it is more imperative than
ever to reach our fundraising goal and ensure
Alpha Tau Omega has the best possible future
as we return to campus.
The house board has been working with Union
Bank & Trust to obtain a construction loan, but
we must show that alumni have made sufficient
pledges. The reality is we need to raise $500,000
cash in the next 60 days to bridge the gap
between the loan amount and the cash we have
on hand while the pledges continue to come in.
The remaining $700,000 can be in the form of
pledges to be paid over a three-year timeline.
INSIde: Thank You, Alumni • 2 Alumni Spotlight • 3 Chapter Report • 3 Save the Date • 4
alpha tau omega • university of nebraska-lincoln • spring 2016
University AnnoUnces AlphA tAU omegA
As recognized stUdent orgAnizAtion
campaign Board needs help now more than ever Before!
(Continued on page 4)